Gloria Irizarry

Gloria Santiago Irizarry, 94, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at DeLand Manor Assisted Living Facility in DeLand, Florida.

Gloria was born on September 18, 1931, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the third of eight children born to Jose and Tanita Santiago. Her father was a supervisor at El Tesoro Coffee Plantation, where Gloria spent much of her childhood helping with the daily work of the farm. After graduating from high school, she worked as a seamstress in Ponce before moving to New York in the mid-1950s to pursue opportunities in the garment industry.

While living in New York, Gloria met and married the love of her life, Anselmo Irizarry. They were united in marriage on August 11, 1956, beginning a loving partnership that lasted nearly 69 years until Anselmo's passing on June 3, 2025. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They made their home in the Bronx, New York, where they spent fourteen years raising their family before relocating to Hollywood, Florida. They lived there for twenty-three years before retiring to DeLand in 1993.

Gloria dedicated her life to her family. Following the example set by her mother, she made caring for her husband and children her highest priority. While raising her family, she also worked as a housekeeper, helping to provide for those she loved. Her unwavering devotion, sacrifice, and nurturing spirit formed the foundation of her family’s life and remain her greatest legacy.

A faithful member of her church community, Gloria was actively involved in church activities and generously volunteered each year during St. Peter’s Oktoberfest. She found joy in serving others and sharing fellowship with friends and neighbors.

Gloria’s passions were found both in her kitchen and in her garden. She took immense pride in creating beautiful outdoor spaces filled with flowers, fruit trees, and carefully manicured landscaping, first in Hollywood and later in DeLand. When she was not tending to her yard, she could often be found sewing, cooking, or preparing traditional Puerto Rican favorites such as pasteles and empanadas.

She especially cherished gathering family and friends around her table. Her home was always open for coffee and cake, and Sunday family dinners became treasured traditions. Gloria’s meals nourished more than the body—they brought loved ones together. She made certain everyone’s plate was full before serving herself and was always the last to sit down, embodying a lifetime of selfless love and care for others.

Nothing brought Gloria greater joy than her family. She was a devoted mother to her four children: Frank Irizarry, Nancy Burnett, Shirley Little, and Gloria Rosenhoch. She was also a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and was always willing to step in as a caregiver, offering love, guidance, and support whenever needed. Gloria was the third of eight siblings, four of whom survive her.

Those who knew Gloria often heard her say, when asked if she ever exercised, “I never sit down. I am always doing something in the house.” Anyone who knew her understood how true that was. Whether she was cooking in the kitchen, cleaning the house, or working tirelessly in her beloved yard, Gloria was always caring for her home and family.

Gloria will be remembered for her hardworking spirit, generous heart, steadfast faith, and unconditional love for her family. Her warmth, hospitality, and devotion leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the family she so lovingly nurtured.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gloria’s life at Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand, Florida. A viewing will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service beginning at noon. Following the service, a luncheon and Celebration of Life will be held at City Sanctuary Church in DeLand.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901 www.dementiasociety.org 

Gloria’s family is grateful for the love, prayers, and support extended to them during this time.